TV presenter tumbles into Yorkshire Wildlife Park

Justin Fletcher as Mr Tumble

Children’s TV favourite Justin Fletcher tumbled through Yorkshire Wildlife Park to film an episode of his Something Special show.

Bosses of the walk through attraction were asked to keep star’s visit last August secret.

The BAFTA award winner’s visit can only be revealed now the show featuring YWP’s unique collection of animals and the colourful Mr Tumble on a wildlife adventure was shown last Friday.

Justin, who counts Johnny Depp and comedians Peter Kay and Michael McIntyre among his fans, thoroughly enjoyed his day in Branton, near Doncaster, which he officially opened in April 2009.

He got a chance to feed the giraffes and raccoons as well as having fun with the wallabies.

The Something Special show, which features sign language for children with speech defects, has won a string of awards and earned Justin an MBE.

“It was great to have Justin and the TV crew with us,” said Yorkshire Wildlife Park Director Cheryl Williams. “He was good fun and enjoyed the unique experience we offer of coming close to some of the most rare and beautiful animals on the planet.

“He is a big fan of us and all our conservation work – we are hoping to welcome him back later this year to meet visitors officially on a public visit.”

Since the TV star opened YWP, it has welcomed over 1,000,000 visitors and is now the UK’s fastest growing and most innovative wildlife attraction.

In the Spring YWP will open a 600 sq m retail area – the Safari Village – with a café, and separate shopping units offering a wide variety of goods, including gifts, crafts and handbags.

Meanwhile around the same time at least one polar bear is due to move into YWP’s new 10 acre reserve, which is the biggest in Europe and will be a centre for Polar Bear conservation.

The bear, the only one in England, will join YWP’s unique collection of some of the most beautiful and animals on the planet. including Amur Tigers and Leopards, Painted Hunting Dogs, Lions and Giraffes.

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